Overdrive, Distortion, Fuzz & Boost Pedals:

When it comes to overdrive, distortion, fuzz and boost pedals, there are just three rules: bigger, louder and stronger. Everything about these effects is designed to add impact to your sound, whether that comes in the form of earthshattering overdrive, vintage-inspired distortion, funky '70s fuzz or even boutique effects. If you're the sort of musician who likes to push the envelope, then there are pedals here that belong on your pedalboard.

One of the biggest advantages to using an overdrive pedal instead of actually overdriving your amp is that you'll get the meaty, distorted sound you crave without having to worry about your speakers clipping. You can also get even better control over the effects, with boost and overdrive that are as clean or as roaring as you want them. Read More...

You'll find all the classic boosters here, including the Electro Harmonix Big Muff series, which has graced the boards of David Gilmour, Carlos Santana and Jack White, as well as being regularly heard in Cliff Burton's bass lines. There are also a number of signature series pedals—like Dunlop's Fuzz Face developed in consultation with Eric Johnson, or the Dave Navarro bundle from BOSS that comes with a trio of the Jane’s Addiction guitarist’s favorite effects.

Some pedal makers have even contributed their own custom effects, including Keeley with the versatile Katana preamp pedal to provide harmonically-rich boost effects or Mad Professor with the "1" pedal, which instantly throws your sound back to that sweet spot in the late '70s and early '80s. You can even get a complete mini-amp under your foot with Danelectro's DJ16 Bacon N' Eggs—and it doubles as a distortion pedal, too.

There are a ton of options for overdrive, distortion, fuzz and boost pedals available, and the right pedals for you will ultimately come down to your own preferences. What can be said for sure is that if you're after a powerful sound, from growling metal riffs to soulful blues, you're looking at the right selection of effects pedals to make it happen. Close